McCarty was taken to the hospital’s trauma center shortly after 2 p.m. Wednesday after falling from the golf car and striking his head on the pavement, said Columbia County Sheriff’s Capt. Steve Morris.

McCarty was standing on the back of an E-Z-Go golf car driven by Garrett DeVore, 14, as the vehicle traveled down a hill on Morris-Callaway Road near DeVore’s residence, Morris said.

“He lost his grip and landed head-first on the pavement,” Morris said.

DeVore was unhurt, as was another passenger in the front of the golf car, Morris added.

Charges are pending, Morris said.

State law prohibits unlicensed drivers from operating golf cars on roadways.